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Varis wins Finlandia-hiihto for the sixth time

Kari Varis took his sixth victory at Finlandia-hiihto on Saturday, when he finished the 50 km classic race 32 seconds ahead of Thomas Ramstedt.

Last year’s winner Niklas Colliander came third. Varis and Ramstedt raced together until 45 kilometres, but then Ramstedt had to settle for second place. Varis was particulary happy about his victory after finishing only fifth last year.
“It is always challenging to win this classical event. I was a bit surprised how easily I actually got a gap to Thomas, I had some power left. I will not race the free technique event tomorrow, instead I will focus on next weekend’s World Cup here in Lahti, which is very important to me. I will compete in pursuit, and aim at scoring World Cup points. I think it is realistic, if equipment work well and competitors from Vancouver are a bit tired”, Varis says.

The women’s event was won by Liisa Anttila, who competed in Finlandia for the second time. Anttila had pain in her right arm due to an accident occurred in ski-orienteering event during the previous weeks.
“I feel I have around 30 percent of the power left in my right arm. It is not so much fun to ski like this, but I couldn’t stay away either. Actually it was pretty good we didn’t go that fast until the last two kilometers”, says Anttila.
Heli Peltonen finished second, eight seconds behind the winner.
On Sunday there will be 50 kilometre free technique race as main event on the Finlandia-hiihto’s program.

Contributed by OC Finlandiahiihto